Are you looking to purchase your home in The Triangle? Porchlight Real Estate can help.

Buying a home intimidates a lot of people, but it isn't that hard with a bit of planning ahead of time. So you understand exactly what to expect, we like to furnish our buyers with an overview of the entire deal. Here are our nine steps to buying a home.

Step 1 – Get ready to buy a home
There are plenty of things you should consider prior to beginning your home search. When you begin your search, you'll want to create an index of features you need to have, get a plan of what neighborhoods you'd like to live in, and begin planning your budget. A good guideline to go by is that your mortgage payment should be no more than 1/3 of your monthly income.

Step 2 – Speak with a real estate agent in The Triangle
This is where we come in. We'd love to schedule a time to meet with you and communicate with you regarding why you want to buy a home and get an idea of your upcoming plans. We'll talk about the mortgage industry, other economic factors that could potentially affect your purchase today or in the future, as well as neighborhoods and school districts in the The Triangle area.

We can also assist you with getting started on your loan. Porchlight Real Estate works with some of The Triangle's best mortgage professionals, so you can rest assured that you're in great hands. They will help you figure out which kind of loan is best for you, as well as help you get qualified.

Step 3 – Begin looking
Following our first meeting, we'll start searching for available homes on the market that suit your needs. We'll research most of the houses and reject the duds, and then we'll set up appointments to tour the homes at a time that's convenient for you.

As we view the homes, we'll call attention to good features and negative ones. we'll also ask you to point out what things you like and dislike. It's pretty common for buyers to update their must-have list as we tour houses and some items become far more essential than others. If such is the case, we'll look through the listings once more and narrow it down to the home of your dreams.

Step 4 – Get a grasp of the housing market
Our understanding of the The Triangle market is a fundamental asset in your search. We are acquainted with all the neighborhoods and schools, and we will alert you to what neighborhoods are "hot" and require immediate action and the rest that are "cool" and allow for thoughtful analysis.

As we view homes, we'll be sure to tell you when the seller's asking price has room for bargaining and also when we think the house is "priced to sell." When working with an agent, be on guard and be sure to ask plenty of questions. Every real estate agent in The Triangle will claim to know the housing market. If it doesn't seem like they know everything, call us at 919-805-4061 or e-mail us at info@plre.net, and we'll be glad to answer any questions you might have. Our market knowledge will help you stay a step above the rest through the entire deal.

Step 5 – Find the house you've been waiting for
We're certain we'll find your dream house in The Triangle, and when that happens, we'll meticulously create your real estate purchase offer. The offer will be made keeping your needs in mind. Whenever necessary, We never forget to make contracts contingent upon items like your ability to secure financing and the results of the home inspection.

When submitting your offer, most likely you'll want to present "earnest money." This is a cash deposit made to a home seller to secure the offer to purchase the property. The amount is often put towards the cost of closing. If the seller accepts the offer, we should close on the property within 30 to 60 days after. This allows sufficient time for your mortgage financing.

Step 6 – Negotiate the deal
Most deals aren't closed on the initial offer, and it's pretty common to receive a counter offer. Don't let it intimidate you. We'll discuss whether or not to agree to the counter offer, present our own counter offer, or reject the seller's offer and go on.

How aggressively we negotiate the deal depends on market circumstances. We'll also work within your budget. And when it's all said and done, we'll create a deal that works well for you.

Step 7 – Get a loan
Upon signing the contract, you'll start working with your lender to close the loan. It shouldn't be a long process at all if you've been pre-approved, but you need to stay in close contact with your lender. And we'll handle all the property information your lender will need to close the loan.>

Step 8 – Close the deal
You'll get a Loan Estimate (LE) of your closing costs from your lender within three days of accepting your loan application. The estimate is based on the loan amount, and RESPA requirements mandate that it has to involve all closing costs and be within a close range of accuracy. we'll analyze the estimate and let you know if it all looks okay.

Then it's time to close on your house. This will probably take place at a title company or escrow office and should be a smooth and calm affair.

Step 9 – Move in
Success! It's time to move into your new house. Enjoy it. And if you have any questions, simply call us at 919-805-4061 or send us an e-mail.